The Media’s Influence

Are established media outlets to blame for the ever-increasing exposure of radicalisation and extremism, by falling victim to playing a part in adding to the propaganda? Of which is misrepresenting Islam and its peaceful followers, the Muslims.

For those who may not know, extremism is not permitted, in Islam.

I say yes to my earlier question (as above) because the exposure adds to the rising levels of “Islamophobia” except I would like to go on to say that social media is also being used as a tool by today’s society.

There is an online world being formed, which makes people feel able to take things into their own hands, making comments, posting YouTube videos or articles that spread like wildfire within seconds of it being publicized.

It is all potentially dangerous because each one of us will interpret the context based on our personal knowledge, understanding and experiences. Not everyone will seek the truth or a deeper knowledge in order to be better informed about what we are being told or given to read, by or via the media.

Here are some excerpts from several of my past articles relating to and/or responding to any extremism in the media:

My “Waging a dirty war” article will help to explain one of the real reasons why the media of the West, is somewhat biased.

“I condemn all acts of terrorism especially where innocent people have to die.

Muslims seem to lose either way. They are constantly asked to apologise for crimes they did not commit nor supported. They are stuck between the extremists and fanatics on either sides. Most Muslims want to work providing for their family and get on with life in harmony.”…

…”My point being, freedom of speech is important but we need to hold back at our own discretion if we feel what we might say or do is hurtful towards others. There will always be people who want to push the boundaries and there is nothing wrong with that but freedom of speech cannot be used as an excuse to hide behind from when their actions has consequences and they should expect the same level of freedom of speech back especially when in a democratic state.

My main worry at this point in time is how society is reacting based on what the media wants us to see and believe”…

…”Any perceived anti-Semitism would be handled straightaway and the offenders promptly dealt with. Yet for any other religions, any anti views are sadly casually tolerated which I find very unfair because the same law should apply to all religions. By being respectful and mindful of others at all times would nip any anti views in the bud and would avoid that cataclysmic chain reaction of events spiralling out of anyone’s control. As for censorship? Do not even try to hide behind that excuse because no one ever sees what actually happens to the people of Palestine and other war-torn countries: Waging a dirty war.

Is the Ku Klux Klan a representative of Christians? So why do many think Terrorists are representative of Muslims? Fanatics or extremists does not define their religion come what may except distorts the truth behind it – all religions which asks for submission to the one and only same god is about peace and humanity. A true believer would not stoop so low to harm another because their religion (should) forbids it. Unfortunately people not in the know or are well-informed regarding a particular religion will accept that distortion all too readily. It is those who are the most sincere in their hearts that suffer the most from all this due to fanatics and others attributing excuses.

“The last straw for me came when I saw articles written by those who are not experienced or knowledgeable in either, the history of the Middle East, the language and the religion – the latter; ISIS has nothing to do with, at all.

Why are people listening to, consulting with or publishing someone”… “….who are not qualified on any aspect of the subject matter?

Not everything published online be it YouTube, Facebook or even established news outlets is correct and should always be looked at with a critical eye. Politicians who have an agenda in mind would highlight a particular issue and blow it out of proportion, then feed the public in order to gain votes. In some cases, deflecting attention from their shortcomings.”

Established media outlets should be responsible for what they broadcast and permit for they do not realise, the vast influence their content patently has on today’s society.